When you think of modern day work spaces, what comes to mind? Is it techno-centric, energy efficient, flexible environments? While these are all nice qualities, modern commercial spaces can lack the incorporation of natural elements like plants and other natural materials.
Most commercial spaces feature artificial lighting and plain walls which can leave employees feeling drained and disconnected from nature. Thankfully, modern architecture is shifting commercial workspaces to include nature in the built environment with biophilic design.
This architectural concept blends natural elements into man-made spaces. It connects people to nature through the built environment. This creates a calming and inspiring working environment, which reduces stress and improves workers satisfaction and cognitive performance.
This article discusses the importance of biophilic design, its key elements, and its benefits. Read on to find out how your commercial space could benefit from this design concept.
What Is Biophilic Design and Why Does it Matter?
Biophilic design is an architectural concept that creates spaces that connect people with nature. It is based on the idea that humans have an innate desire to connect with nature and that natural environments have evolutionary benefits.
The natural environment has numerous benefits for human health including boosting mood, reducing stress, and improving productivity. However, due to rapid urbanization, we spend most of our time indoors, especially when working. Indoor environments limit our exposure to nature leading to negative physiological and psychological impacts.
Biophilic design reconnects humans to nature using natural elements or evocations of nature in indoor spaces. It goes beyond putting a few potted plants in an office and harnesses nature to create spaces that enhance sensory experiences and mimic natural form, promoting wellness in commercial spaces.
Key Elements of Biophilic Design in Commercial Construction
Biophilic design connects commercial spaces to the natural world using the following core concepts:
Natural Elements
This design opts for environmental features such as water, plants, and sunlight because they promote sensory experiences that mimic the calming nature of the outdoors. These elements include light flowing through leaves, skylights flooding the building, or a water feature.
Nature-inspired Shapes and Forms
Biomorphic forms (nature-inspired shapes and patterns) such as those found in trees, leaves, and vegetation create a connection between people and nature. Architects include animal motifs like webs and hives and organic building forms and facades inspired by natural elements like leaves to introduce an organic feel to commercial spaces.
Multi-sensory Experiences
Biophilic designs aim to engage all senses and not just sight. They include natural elements like water based sounds and natural texture that enable tactile experiences.
Spatial Properties that Align with Natural Form
This element can include curved pathways that mimic rivers or curvy furniture that looks like organic shapes. The idea is that the layout of the commercial space reflects natural forms and processes.
Place-based Relationships
Biophilic design enhances well-being by promoting a sense of refuge and protection through cozy and secure spaces. It also imitates the need for controlled variability through repetition and changes in design.
Natural Light
Open floor plans, dynamic lighting, and large windows are prominent in this design as they imitate the play of sunlight by creating shadows.
Benefits of Biophilic Design for Employee Wellness and Productivity
Nature-inspired construction benefits employee wellness and productivity in the following ways.
Stress Reduction and Faster Recovery
Natural elements, such as nature sounds or views from windows promote a connection with nature while in commercial spaces. Connection with nature activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. Studies show that exposure to nature also boosts pain tolerance, decreasing painkiller usage and improving workers’ recovery rates.
Mental Health and Cognitive Performance
Biophilic design improves mental health and cognitive functions. Research reveals that adding elements like plants and nature sounds reduces cognitive fatigue, enhances working memory, and boosts cognitive performance, particularly when these elements engage multiple senses.
Additionally, fractal patterns promote positive psychological effects, reducing stress and increasing relaxation.
Physical Well-being and Social Connectivity
Elements such as indoor plants, natural light, and natural materials can inspire movement. For example, well-designed spaces with access to greenery encourage walking meetings reducing the time employees spend sitting. This promotes more dynamic movement throughout the day.
Open, nature-inspired spaces can foster casual interactions and help build stronger workplace relationships. For instance, shared green areas or outdoor seating create opportunities for employees to connect, reducing social isolation and building a sense of community.
Conclusion
Biophilic design transforms modern commercial spaces by integrating the calming and restorative qualities of nature into the built environment. It improves employee wellness and mental health, boosts productivity, and fosters social connectivity. All of this positively impacts employee performance.
By incorporating natural elements like plants, natural light, and nature-inspired shapes, businesses can create spaces that promote a sense of well-being and collaboration.
If you’re looking to revitalize your commercial space, Chad Fisher Construction is your perfect partner. We specialize in creating innovative spaces that meet your functional needs and enhance the overall experience of those who work within them.